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February 5, 2026February 5, 2026

Vision Expo and VSP Vision Announce Finalists for the 2026 VSP Vision Innovation Challenge

Vision Expo, produced by RX and The Vision Council, in collaboration with VSP Vision™, a leader in health-focused vision care, announce the four startups selected to participate in the 2026 VSP Vision Innovation Challenge. The contest is a global competition designed to source, spur, and advance early-stage startups and technologies that are elevating the eye care experience.

The four finalists will participate in a four-week startup bootcamp in February 2026, receiving expert mentorship and exclusive resources to refine their value propositions. They will present their solutions live on stage at Vision Expo inside the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida on March 13, 2026, and showcase their products on the show floor as part of the Innovation Center, an area designated for industry startups.

“The VSP Vision Innovation Challenge underscores our belief that bold, future-ready concepts are essential to advancing eyecare,” said Ashley Mills, CEO of The Vision Council. “Innovation Center at Vision Expo expands that mission by elevating startups and the technologies redefining what’s possible. The Show’s programming is designed for attendees to discover new ideas, and we’re proud to champion the innovators pushing the field ahead.”

“We received applications from companies around the globe for the 2026 VSP Innovation Challenge, with more than half being venture-backed and collectively representing over $300 million in funding,” said Will Flanagan, Head of VSP Global Innovation Center Programs and Partnerships. “These founders are committed to enhancing provider and patient experiences and empowering private practices to thrive, and we’re excited to help accelerate their progress.”

In addition to the exposure at one of the largest gatherings of vision care executives and professionals, selected early-stage startups will have the potential to secure a $400,000 investment from Topcon Healthcare, Inc.’s THINC Ventures capital arm.

Event Information

2026 VSP Vision Innovation Challenge: Final Pitch and Award Ceremony

Innovation Stage, Vision Expo
Friday, March 13, 2026
10:30am – 11:30am ET

Meet the 2026 Finalists

Altris AI: Clinical-grade SaaS platform serves as a “second set of eyes” for eye care specialists, identifying 70+ retinal biomarkers from OCT scans to help providers match patients to appropriate treatments, devices, and clinical trials with objective, data-driven precision.
Alchemy Vision: Modern, subscription-based digital training platform designed for today’s eye care environment.
EyeCareX: OD-founded AI platform using computer vision and generative AI to automate and standardize core components of the optometric exam, enabling clinics and enterprise networks to increase patient capacity and deliver more consistent care.
Captify: Builds prescription-ready, AI-enabled smart eyewear that provides real-time captioning for patients with hearing loss, empowering independent optometrists to deliver cutting-edge accessibility tools that enhance patient quality of life.

Source: Vision Expo

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February 5, 2026February 5, 2026

J.F. REY Presents LIFE

A street, a moment, a glance. LIFE captures these fragments of everyday life where everything unfolds naturally: a phone call, a smile, a spontaneous gesture. Simple, vibrant urban scenes where personality emerges effortlessly.

In these candid moments, the glasses become a natural choice. They complement the look, accentuate character, and express a way of being. Far more than an accessory, they stand as a marker of identity, revealing what each person chooses to show the world.

Through this series of portraits of men and women, LIFE celebrates a free and sincere expression of style, energized by real life. From the iconic series SLEDGE to the new metal frames for women, it perfectly reflects the DNA of J.F. Rey: a free, bold, and colorful design, revealing each person’s personality, at any age.

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February 5, 2026February 5, 2026

HOYA Vision Care Launches LensPreview Virtual Try-on for Specialty Lenses

HOYA Vision Care has announced the launch of HOYA LensPreview™, a new virtual try-on tool designed to help eye care professionals (ECPs) and patients visualize specialty lenses before purchase. The solution is now available in the United States and Canada and is integrated into the company’s HOYA Hub™ digital platform.

According to HOYA, LensPreview allows users to preview a range of lens options, including photochromic, polarized, and mirror lenses, in a true-to-colour, interactive environment. Supported product families include the Sensity® range, HOYA’s Mirror Collection, Lumacore™, and polarized lenses. The company says the tool is intended to reduce reliance on physical lens samples while helping patients better understand how different lens options will appear in real-world use.

“This tool enhances the patient experience and helps practices boost second pair and sun lens sales while eliminating the need for physical samples,” said Samy Lauriette, Vice President of Strategic Marketing, North America at HOYA Vision Care, in a company statement.

HOYA notes that LensPreview addresses several operational and clinical challenges faced by practices, including managing patient expectations, simplifying in-office workflows, and supporting conversations around premium lens options. By offering a digital alternative to demo lenses, practices may also reduce costs associated with shipping, storage, and inventory management.

The virtual try-on technology is powered by Fittingbox, a provider of digital eyewear visualization solutions. According to Fittingbox, the integration delivers an immersive lens simulation experience directly within the HOYA Hub ecosystem.

HOYA LensPreview is currently available at no additional cost to HOYA customers who have access to the HOYA Hub via single sign-on. The HOYA Hub platform also provides tools for job tracking, invoicing, payments, shipping label printing, and access to marketing and social media resources. Eye care professionals who are not currently using the HOYA Hub are encouraged to contact their local HOYA business consultant for access.

View a video demonstration of HOYA LensPreview in action here.

Source: HOYA Vision Care press release

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February 5, 2026February 5, 2026

Canadian Ophthalmological Society Highlights Advances in AMD Care During Awareness Month

The Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) is marking Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Awareness Month by drawing attention to recent advances in care, the varied ways the disease affects patients, and the broader personal and societal impact of vision loss across Canada.

AMD is a progressive eye disease that affects the macula, leading to blurred or distorted central vision. The condition presents in two primary forms. Dry AMD typically progresses slowly and is associated with the accumulation of deposits in the macula, while wet AMD can cause rapid and severe vision loss due to abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage. Age over 50, smoking, high blood pressure, and family history remain among the key risk factors.

According to COS, many individuals with AMD may not notice symptoms in the early stages of the disease. Regular eye examinations are therefore recommended for adults aged 50 and over, particularly those with known risk factors. Changes such as blurred vision, distortion of straight lines, or difficulty seeing in low-light conditions are identified as warning signs that warrant prompt assessment by an eye care professional.

The society emphasizes that AMD management is highly individualized. Depending on disease type and severity, care may include lifestyle modifications, nutritional supplementation, close monitoring, or medical treatment aimed at slowing progression. Early diagnosis and consistent follow-up remain central to preserving vision.

“AMD looks different from one patient to the next,” said Varun Chaudhary, Professor and Head of Ophthalmology at McMaster University and Chief of Ophthalmology at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton and Hamilton Health Sciences. “Today, we have more tools and treatment options than ever before. When the disease is caught early, care can often be tailored to help patients maintain their vision and independence.”

COS also highlighted the role of emerging therapies and technologies in improving outcomes. Newer treatments for wet AMD are allowing for sustained disease control with fewer interventions, while novel therapies for dry AMD have been approved in the United States and are currently under review in Canada. Advances in imaging technologies are further supporting earlier detection, more precise monitoring, and timely treatment decisions.

Beyond clinical considerations, the society noted that AMD carries significant social and economic implications. Vision loss can increase the risk of falls, reduce social engagement, and affect mental well-being. Disparities related to income, geography, and access to eye care services may also influence diagnosis and treatment, underscoring the importance of equitable access to care.

COS encourages Canadians to discuss their individual risk for AMD, screening frequency, and treatment options with their eye care professional. Additional patient-focused information is available through COS’s public education resources.

Source: Canadian Ophthalmological Society

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February 4, 2026February 4, 2026

Pearle Vision Marks 65 Years with Continued Network Growth and Investment in Clinical Technology

Pearle Vision is marking its 65th anniversary in 2026, reflecting on more than six decades since its founding by Dr. Stanley Pearle and pointing to a year of continued expansion, operational updates, and technology investments across its North American network.

Founded in 1961 as a single practice in Savannah, Georgia, Pearle Vision has grown into a franchise system operating eye care centres throughout the United States and Canada. According to the company, recent growth has included the opening of new locations in Dallas, Texas; Sandy Springs, Georgia; and Edmonton, Alberta.

Over the past year, Pearle Vision has also introduced an updated store design concept across select locations. The redesigned centres feature revised layouts, lighting, and zoning intended to improve patient flow and clinical efficiency. The company reports that participating locations have seen increased consumer engagement and double-digit sales growth, although individual performance may vary by market.

On the organizational side, Pearle Vision has refined its franchise development strategy under the leadership of Gage Hagedorn, Director of Business Development and Growth. The company has also continued to promote a doctor-investor model, designed to allow optometrists and ophthalmologists to focus primarily on clinical care while business partners manage operational responsibilities.

Pearle Vision’s franchise system has again received external recognition, earning the top ranking in Entrepreneur magazine’s Miscellaneous Health Services category for the sixth consecutive year, along with placement among the publication’s Top 50 franchise investments.

Looking ahead, Pearle Vision says it plans to continue investing in clinical and diagnostic technologies across its network. These include ultra-widefield retinal imaging, AI-supported refraction systems, and advanced dry eye therapy solutions.

“Our investments in medical technology and clinical capabilities are aimed at raising the standard of care and meeting evolving patient expectations,” said Dr. Solomon Gould, Senior Director of Eye Care at Pearle Vision, in a company statement.

The company indicated that additional store openings are planned in parts of the central United States and select Canadian markets, as it continues to expand its footprint.

More information on Pearle Vision’s franchise opportunities for doctors and investors is available through the company.

Source: Company press release (PR Newswire)

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